Santa Ana Gusts, Damage Photos

Various reports of downed trees and power lines have been issued by the National Weather Service in California today as strong Santa Ana winds swept down the mountains into the valleys (see yesterday's post for more info on Santa Anas).

Around 75,000 people lost power and 6 trucks were blown over on I-15, according to the Washington Post. The wind complicated efforts to put out a two-story commercial building fire in downtown Los Angeles (see story and photo).

Photo Gallery user Bill Westphal (wb6ypf) has come through again for us by posting Santa Ana wind and damage photos to our Photo Gallery tonight. You can see his most recent uploads below, use this permalink to see all of his wind damage photos, or click here to view his entire gallery. I was especially impressed by the famous palm trees bending over in the wind.

Bill says:

The following notable gusts were reported by the NWS and their mesonets:

MILL CREEK... 86 mph
Five Mile... 82 mph
CHEESEBORO... 71 mph
WILEY RIDGE... 71 mph
Freemont Canyon... 69 mph
WARM SPRINGS... 67 mph
Anf02 Portable... 66 mph
Goldstone... 65 mph
Whitaker Peak... 63 mph
Chilao... 63 mph
NEWHALL PASS... 61 mph